Piezoelectric gas lighter

ABSTRACT

A gas lighter includes a piezoelectric element which is connected through a spark ignition line to provide a spark for ignition of a gas flame, or a gas burner. The ignition device includes a rotary member which advances a hammer in a direction against an actuating spring to compress it. Thereafter it is moved by the spring at a rapid rate in a return direction into engagement with the piezoelectric element to cause the element to emit a spark. The gas lighter, includes a burner with a gas supply tank which communicates through a burner tube opening and a capillary tube connection to the gas burner discharge. This capillary tube connection insures that the gas volumes supplied through the opening for ignition will not unduly vary and thus require constant adjustment.

States Patent ishiguro Sept. 4, 1973 [76] Inventor: Mitsue Ishiguro, 31, Kanamecho 2-chome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan Primary Examiner-Edward G. Favors Att0meyJohn J. McGlew et al.

[ 5 7] ABSTRACT A gas lighter includes a piezoelectric element which is connected through a spark ignition line to provide a spark for ignition of a gas flame, or a gas burner. The ignition device includes a rotary member which advances a hammer in a direction against an actuating spring to compress it. Thereafter it is moved by the spring at a rapid rate in a return direction into engagement with the piezoelectric element to cause the element to emit a spark. The gas lighter, includes a burner with a gas supply tank which communicates through a burner tube opening and a capillary tube connection to the gas burner discharge. This capillary tube connection insures that the gas volumes supplied through the opening for ignition will not unduly vary and thus require constant adjustment.

6 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures 2o( 1 Y II 1 11 1 (X) k (x) l 5 15 5 I 11 il| I l 25' 13' r' m, 2 a t 8 :F if A 2 4 1 T V 3;, z! i IO 38 25 i 3 'Tiv 7 y I w? PArEmEnw' 1756.767 sum 1 or 4 I NVEN TOR.

,4 Tram E) PATENTEB 44975 SHEET 8 [IF 4 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to the construction of lighters and, in particular, to a new and useful gas lighter, having a rotary device for actuating a piezoelectric unit and which includes improved means for controlling the volume of gas discharged.

2. Description of the Prior Art Conventional cigaret lighters include a rotary element which is advanced or rotated by the engagement of a smokers thumb to cause it to rub against a flint member to cause sparking for igniting the fuel. On the other hand, in a case of a piezoelectric gas lighter the actuating element emits a spark when the lighters cover lid is pushed down to hit the element in order to generate the spark. Such a construction is complicated and is relatively costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention includes a piezoelectric element which is actuated by rotating an exposed rotatable part with the operators thumb in the same manner as the conventional lighter. The rotation of the rotatable part, however, moves an actuating hammer in a direction away from the piezoelectric unit and causes it to bias an actuating spring. When the hammer is moved to a predetermined point, it falls off the end of a movement cam and is propelled by the spring against the piezoelectric unit to cause it to produce a spark.

The invention also includes a gas burner construction in which the gas flow from the gas supply tank is through a communicating port arranged at the lower end of a tubular burner and constructed, so that there will be flow through a capillary size tube portion for discharge through the discharge opening of the burner to provide a gas flow regulation requiring very little flame adjustment.

A further object of the invention is to provide a lighter construction which is simple in design, rugged in construction, and economical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the Drawing:

FIG. I is a transverse sectional view of a gas lighter constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial end elevation and transverse sectional view of the lighter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line X-X of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial elevational and partial transverse sectional view of the actuating mechanism for the piezoelectric unit;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the construction shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the construction shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a section taken along the line Y Y of FIG. 4;.

. FIG. 8 is a section similar to FIG. 4 showing the parts in an advanced stage of operation;

FIG. 9 is a section similar to FIG. 4 showing the part immediately after the piezoelectric unit has been actuated;

FIG. 10 is a partial transverse sectional view of the burner construction;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 of the prior art construction of the burner;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the gas lighter.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, in particular the invention embodied therein as shown in FIGS. l-7 comprises an actuating mechanism generally designated A for actuating a piezoelectric unit 2, for producing a spark through spark line 10 at a location to ignite gas issuing from a nozzle 20.

In accordance with the invention the piezoelectric element 2 is ignited by engagement thereof with a hammer 4, which is mounted for reciprocation within a casing or housing part 3. An actuating spring 18 is contained within the casing and is compressed by the upward movement of the hammer 4, which is produced by a rotation of a rotatable thumb engagement part 1. The hammer 4 carries a projection 12, which projects through a guide groove 11 which extends vertically along a casing 5. The projection extends into an actuation groove 14 formed between an upper actuation ring 13 and a lower actuation ring 13' which are carried within the thumb actuating member 1. The rotator 1 is connected to the lower ring 13' by means of screws or similar elements (not shown), so that when it rotates the cam ring 13 also rotates with it. The case 5 carries a central projecting part 6 which provides a means for aligning the assembly below a cover hood 8. The pin extends through an annular packing 16, into an opening 17 of the hood 8. The hood 8 is affixedto the upper part of the lighter casing 7. The casing 5 is located eccentrically so that the rotator 1 extends outwardly from one side of the housing in a position in which it can be readily engaged by an operators thumb. As best seen in FIG. 12, the whole assembly fits easily into the receiving casing 7, along with a burner assembly which includes a gas tank 38.

The operation of the device is as follows:

The thumb rotator 1, is rotated to cause the lower ring 13' to move with it and to cause the projection 12 .to rise upwardly on the cam surface, and in so doing,

to compress the actuating spring 18. When the projection goes over the highest point of the lower ring 13', a location in which the two rings are in contact at 19 and 19', it moves off the steep edge and is directed downwardly by the resilient return force of the spring 18 to move it against the piezoelectric element 1 and to cause it to spark. The spark thus produced moves along spark line 10 and ignites the gas which issues from the gas nozzle 20. Thus, a single turn of the rotary actuator will cause the device to produce the necessary spark for ignition.

The burner assembly is generally designated B and it includes a burner body 21, as shown in FIGS. 1, l0 and 12, and it fits inside the gas supply tank 38. The construction includes a nozzle body 22 which is movable within the nozzle 20 and which is biased downwardly by a spring 23. A rubber gas stopper 24 is secured to the lower end of the nozzle body 22 and is supported over a burner washer member 25. The washer member 25 is shaped roughly in a cylindrical form and has an outer diameter which is slightly less than the inner diameter of the burner body 21. An induction opening 26 extends from the capillary gap 35, defined between the washer 25 and a inner cylinder 30, inwardly through a filter 27. A rubber ring 28 is disposed around the adjustment spindle 29 and in a recess of the inner cylinder 30. The diameter of the inner cylinder is substantially equivalent to that of the outer diameter of the washer 25. The inner cylinder 30 has a central diameter portion slightly less than the cylinder diameter and it is threaded at 31 into engagement with the outer cylinder. It also includes an inner thread 32 which is threaded to the outside of a gland 33. The gland 33 ensures that a constant pressure will be applied to the cylinder 29 for fixing the maximum gas volume. An adjustment screw 34 is secured to the lower end of the cylinder 30 and is also secured to the adjustment cylinder 29. The movement of the screw 34 enables the adjustment of the cylinder 29 either upwardly or downwardly. The gas flame can be adjusted by compressing the filter material 27 or by expanding the filter in accordance with the direction of movement of the adjustment cylinder 29.

The adjustment of the gas volume can also be effected by the burner washer 25 which is arranged inside the inner cylinder 30 and moves along with the filter 27. The capillary tube-shaped gap 35 which is provided between the outer surface of the burner washer 25 and the upper outer surface of the inner cylinder 30 provides a passage from the liquid gas accumulation space 36 which communicates with the gas tank through an opening 37 arranged at the lower end of the outer cylinder. The capillary gap 35 is formed by making the external diameter of the burner washer 25 and the inner cylinder 30 slightly less than the internal diameter of the burner body 21.

The liquid gas in the fuel tank 38 goes through the supply opening through the liquid gas accumulation space 36 from whence the gas flows into the capillary tube-shaped gap 35. The gas flows from the upper part of the gap through the induction opening 26 of the burner washer 25 and the filter material 27 to jet out at the upper end of the nozzle 20 and the nozzle body 22.

In a prior art construction shown in FIG. 1 l, the parts indicated are similar to the parts shown in FIG. 10, but without the capillary tube gap 35. The gas supply opening 37 for gas passing through cotton like material 41 is located at the upper end of the outer tubular member. When this type of construction is employed it is difficult to properly set the material 41, because the setting work must be done by feel. It is possible that cotton dust will get into the combustion mechanism causing the gas supply opening to become choked up.

With the inventive construction the capillary tubeshaped gap 35 as well as the liquid gas accumulation space are provided between the burner washer 25 and the inner cylinder 30 and the burner body 21 may be used for adjusting the gas volume. The liquid gas can always be left in the accumulation space 36, and the induction opening 26 can be used for the gas volume adjustment and this space can be connected with the gas supply opening 37 through the gap 35 and the gas accumulation space 36.

Thus, if the lighter casing 7 is tipped, while it is being used, no more than the fixed volume of liquid gas is sucked into the opening 37 and upwardly through the capillary tube gap 35. For this reason there is no risk of the user getting burned because the flame suddenly gets larger. in addition, the liquid gas in the gas container leaves through the supply opening 37 when the gas lighter is tipped, and the liquid gas does not flow into the liquid gas accumulation space 36 inside the burner body, because the liquid gas always remains inside the gas accumulation space 36 and prevents the flame from getting shorter and from becoming extinguished.

Thus, the invention makes it certain that the ignition will be sure eventhough the lighter is tipped at an angle, and also ensures that the flame will remain constant.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. A lighter, comprising a housing having a flame orifice through which the ignitable fuel is directed, a piezoelectric element for producing a spark to ignite the fuel at the flame orifice, rotary actuator means rotatably mounted in said housing, a hammer drive spring carried in said housing, a hammer movable in said housing and connected to said rotary actuator means and movable by said actuator means to compress said spring, said spring, after being compressed, driving said hammer into engagement with said piezoelectric element when released by said rotary actuator means to produce a spark, said rotary actuator means including a rotatable thumb actuated sleeve rotatably mounted about a vertical axis in said housing and having a ring cam, said hammer being located within said cam and having a projection engaged on said ring cam and being lifted upwardly by rotation of said ring cam against the force of said spring.

2. A lighter, comprising a housing having a flame orifice through which the ignitable fuel is directed, a piezoelectric element for producing a spark to ignite the fuel at the flame orifice, rotary actuator means rotatably mounted in said housing, a hammer drive spring carried in said housing, a hammer movable in said housing and connected to said rotary actuator means and movable by said actuator means to compress said spring, said spring, after being compressed, driving said hammer into engagement with said piezoelectric element when released by said rotary actuator means to produce a spark, said rotary actuator means including a thumbactuator rotor, said thumb actuated rotary actuator having a ring cam, said hammer having a projection engaged on said ring cam and being lifted upwardly by rotation of said rotor against the force of said spring, said ring cam including a substantially vertical fall portion at the end of arise portion for releasing said hammer after rotation to permit its return movement by said spring.

3. A lighter according to claim 2, wherein said lighter is a gas lighter, said gas lighter comprising a tubular burner having said flame orifice and including a spark line connected from said piezoelectric element to said flame orifice.

4. A lighter, according to claim 3, wherein said gas lighter includes an outer tank portion with an inlet from said tank portion into said tubular burner, said tubular burner having a washer defining a capillary gap with the interior wall of said burner and a annular liquid gas accumulator space defined between said capillary gap and said opening into said tank, said gap having an inflow opening for flow upwardly to said orifice.

5. A lighter according to claim 4, including a filter located in said inflow opening.

6. A gas lighter comprising a gas burner having a gas orifice, a piezoelectric element having a spark line located adjacent said orifice, a hammer mounted for movement toward and away from said piezoelectric element, means for biasing said hammer in a direction to move it to engage said piezoelectric element, and actuating means rotatably mounted adjacent said burner and being rotatable to move said hammer against said biasing means and then to release said hammer to permit said biasing means to move it into engagement with said piezoelectric element to produce a spark adjacent said flame orifice, said gas burner comprising a tubular member, said tubular member being arranged inside of a liquid gas tank and having an opening at the lower end thereof in communication with said tank, said tubular member having an inner adjustable cylindrical member, movable axially, for adjusting the flow of gas upwardly through said tubular member to said gas orifice, and'an accumulator passage located adjacent the communication with said tank and having a capillary passage extending upwardly for flow thorugh said orifice therefrom. 

1. A lighter, comprising a housing having a flame orifice through which the ignitable fuel is directed, a piezoelectric element for producing a spark to ignite the fuel at the flame orifice, rotary actuator means rotatably mounted in said housing, a hammer drive spring carried in said housing, a hammer movable in said housing and connected to said rotary actuator means and movable by said actuator means to compress said spring, said spring, after being compressed, driving said hammer into engagement with said piezoelectric element when released by said rotary actuator means to produce a spark, said rotary actuator means including a rotatable thumb actuated sleeve rotatably mounted about a vertical axis in said housing and having a ring cam, said hammer being located within said cam and having a projection engaged on said ring cam and being lifted upwardly by rotation of said ring cam against the force of said spring.
 2. A lighter, comprising a housing having a flame orifice through which the ignitable fuel is directed, a piezoelectric element for producing a spark to ignite the fuel at the flame orifice, rotary actuator means rotatably mounted in said housing, a hammer drive spring carried in said housing, a hammer movable in said housing and connected to said rotary actuator means and movable by said actuator means to compress said spring, said spring, after being compressed, driving said hammer into engagement with said piezoelectric element when released by said rotary actuator means to produce a spark, said rotary actuator means including a thumb actuator rotor, said thumb actuated rotary actuator having a ring cam, said hammer having a projection engaged on said ring cam and being lifted upwardly by rotation of said rotor against the force of said spring, said ring cam including a substantially vertical fall portion at the end of a rise portion for releasing said hammer after rotation to permit its return movement by said spring.
 3. A lighter according to claim 2, wherein said lighter is a gas lighter, said gas lighter comprising a tubular burner having said flame orifice and including a spark line connected from said piezoelectric element to said flame orifice.
 4. A lighter, according to claim 3, wherein said gas lighter includes an outer tank portion with an inlet from said tank portion into said tubular burner, said tubular burner having a washer defining a capillary gap with the interior wall of said burner and a annular liquid gas accumulator space defined between said capillary gap and said opening into said tank, said gap having an inflow opening for flow upwardly to said orifice.
 5. A lighter according to claim 4, including a filter located in said inflow opening.
 6. A gas lighter comprising a gas burner having a gas orifice, a piezoelectric element having a spark line located adjacent said orifice, a hammer mounted for movement toward and away from said piezoelectric element, means for biasing said hammer in a direction to move it to engage said piezoelectric element, and actuating means rotatably mounted adjacent said burner and being rotatable to move said hammer against said biasing means and then to release said hammer to permit said biasing means to move it into engagement with said piezoelectric element to produce a spark adjacent said flame orifice, said gas burner comprising a tubular member, said tubular member being arranged inside of a liquid gas tank and having an opening at the lower end thereof in communication with said tank, said tubular member having an inner adjustable cylindrical member, movable axially, for adjusting the flow of gas upwardly through said tubular member to said gas orifice, and an accumulator passage located adjacent The communication with said tank and having a capillary passage extending upwardly for flow thorugh said orifice therefrom. 